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A difficulty which seems common to all the systems I have heard about is that a small number of traders are unreliable about answering messages. One member I know in Manchester was so put off by the casual attitudes to her requests and offers that she left the system, after many phone calls, and two months of non-trading.
In another system, a new member got the reply, "Well, I don't really do that" when she phoned up for an advertised service. It seems an over anxious organiser in a very small group had got members to put down a range of things they couldn't really do. In the end, this was counter-productive as the new member told her friends about her experience and put them off joining.
Sometimes we are too busy, and know we'll never get 'round to it' when somebody wants a job done. It's far better to say, "Sorry, No" straight away than ignore the call, or to make false promises. This means the member can then phone around and find someone else who will do the job.
In Canterbury, it seems to me we aren't too bad, but it does happen, and can be very off putting especially for new members who have not yet enjoyed the wonderful benefits of belonging to a LETS group.
A few years ago, the problem of not having a pen, near the phone, and then losing the message was driving us all mad. One day in desperation, I ties a ring-bound note pad onto a hook, and tied a pencil to the pad. I wouldn't say we never got it wrong again, but it was a great help towards clearer communication. There was always paper & Pencil by the phone, and the message stayed there until it was answered.
I'd be interested in other peoples ideas on this subject
Frances Beaumont of Canterbury LETS can be contacted on 01227 720034
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